A new Web site designed to capitalize on St. Louis’ entrepreneurial energy was launched today by the Skandalaris Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. The new site is called IdeaBounce.com and will support the growth of innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurial activity. IdeaBounce.com participants will also have a chance to vet their ideas before a panel of judges during a quarterly event at the Olin School of Business. The first IdeaBounce event is this Thursday, April 28th at 5 p.m.
IdeaBounce.com offers people from across the region a place to collaborate in the development of new ideas, said Chris Dornfeld, Entrepreneurship Collaboration Director at Washington University. The web site is already attracting people who are looking for mentors, advisors, investors, and other partners for their venture.
“We believe there are many great ideas in our community that, if supported by the right group of experienced people, will produce great community and economic benefit. We hope IdeaBounce can help make those connections happen,” Dornfield said.
The web site is complemented by a quarterly IdeaBounce event where 10-15 people will be given two minutes to present their ideas. Five judges will select five winners (at least two students) who will each receive $100 and an invitation to a VIP dinner after the event. The judges for the event include Patrick Davis, CEO of Patrick Davis Communications, Bob Lozano, chief strategist and founder of Appistry and Tom Walsh, angel investor and partner with Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal LLP.
The events and website are free and open to the public. The first event will be held April 28th, 2005 at 5 pm in May Auditorium, Simon Hall, Washington University in St. Louis. Please register in advance at www.ideabounce.com.
For more information please visit www.ideabounce.com or the Skandalaris Center web site at www.sces.wustl.edu.